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ITV News poll: PM has damaged his reputation over TV debates

David Cameron has damaged his reputation by trying to avoid TV debates with other leaders, according to a new ComRes poll for ITV News.

The poll found 64% of people agreed with this statement. However, nearly half (46%) said the debates would make no difference to the way they vote in this year's General Election.

The results come as Lord Grade, a former chairman of ITV and the BBC, told Chris Ship that the broadcasters are threatening politicians "in an illegal fashion" over the debates.

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Clegg 'ready' to take Cameron's place in TV debate

Nick Clegg is ready to take David Cameron's place in a head-to-head TV debate with Ed Miliband if the Prime Minister refuses to take part, Lord Paddy Ashdown has said.

The Lib Dem campaign chairman and former leader said Clegg is prepared to take Cameron's place in the two-way debate planned by Sky News and Channel 4 for April 30 - one week before the General Election on May 7.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is ready to take David Cameron's place. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Lord Ashdown told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm told that Downing Street is now depending on the Liberal Democrats to say no. Well, I've got bad news for them. We're not going to."

"If it is the case that there's a two-headed debate and Mr Miliband turns up and the Prime Minister will not defend the record of the Government, then Nick Clegg will be very happy to," he added.

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ITV News poll: PM has damaged his reputation over TV debates

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